Chapter 38, Problem 1RE

A.

Summary Introduction

To determine: The part of the eye involved in conjunctivitis.

Introduction: The human eye consists o three layers of outer middle and inner. The outer layer of an eyeball consists of cornea and opaque sclera, the middle portion consists of the uvea (includes choroid, ciliary body, and iris), and the inner layer is the neural layer which has pigment epithelium and retina.

Explanation of Solution

The conjunctiva is responsible for lining the anterior surface of eyelids and covers the white portion of the eye known as the sclera. There are three parts of the conjunctiva: palpebral conjunctiva, Bulbar conjunctiva, and fornix conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which may be caused by a viral and bacterial infection. The blood vessels present in the conjunctiva becomes inflamed

B.

Summary Introduction

To determine: The type of conjunctivitis.

Introduction: Depending on the cause of conjunctivitis, there are three types of the conjunctiva: viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, and allergic conjunctivitis. If the condition is mild, severe hyperemia may appear with purulent drainage.

Explanation of Solution

Bacterial conjunctivitis may be caused by infection of streptococci, staphylococci, Haemophilus, and pseudomonas species. The bacterial conjunctivitis is represented by drainage of yellow and green fluid, and the eyelids are sticky. The viral conjunctiva is caused by adenoviruses and leads to hyperemia, copious tearing, and minimal exudate accompanied by fever malaise and more. The child has allergic conjunctivitis, which is characterized by itching and redness in the eyes.

C.

Summary Introduction

To determine The reason that pediatrician did not order an antimicrobial drug.

Introduction: The most common cause of conjunctivitis is bacterial and viral infections. Although there may be other causes as well, such as allergens, chemical agents, and any physical irritants, the transmission may be through direct contact by fingers, towels, contaminated eye drops, and many more.

Explanation of Solution

The antimicrobial drugs do not have any effect on allergic conjunctivitis; instead of this patient may be suggested to avoid allergen and use eyes washes with tear substitute along with cold compresses. The drugs, such as topical mast cell stabilizers, histamine type I receptor antagonists, and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provide relief.

D.

Summary Introduction

To determine: If the condition is contagious and measures to prevent its spread.

Introduction: The rhinoconjunctivitis is the most common type of allergic conjunctivitis, which is a seasonal allergy caused by immunoglobin-mediated hypersensitivity. It is caused by airborne allergens. Symptoms of this type of conjunctivitis include eyewashes with tearing, itching, and redness of eyes.

Explanation of Solution

Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, which means that it does not spread from person to person. The reason is that the allergic conjunctivitis is caused by the body’s reaction to an allergen and not microbes. The measures that can be adopted to prevent allergic conjunctivitis are:

• If a person has any type of allergy to an allergen, it should be avoided.
• Hands should be washed frequently.
• Toughing eyes with hands should be avoided.
• A person with conjunctivitis should use glasses while outside
• The towels, pillowcases, and bedsheets should be washed after a day and so.